The exhibitions you must see this March
March is here and winter is nearly over – it's time to get out of the house so you don't miss these incredible exhibitions.
Are you feeling ready for spring? Seasonal change can motivate us to reflect on how we spent the last few months, and how we'd like to spend the next. Now that it's getting warmer and brighter, and the flowers are beginning to bloom, perhaps you're eager to get out of the house a bit more and surround yourself with inspiring art and culture.
From Windermere to the West Midlands, we've highlighted eight incredible exhibitions across the UK that you won't want to miss this month.
Just don't forget to pack a National Art Pass to ensure you get great benefits at lots of these venues.
Where can I see the best art exhibitions across the UK with an Art Pass?
The Time is Always Now: Artists Reframe the Black Figure
Discover how contemporary artists from the African diaspora are spotlighting the richness of Black life and examining the presence (and absence) of the Black figure in Western art history. Expect to see incredible works by big names, including Hurvin Anderson, Lubaina Himid, Claudette Johnson, Kerry James Marshall and Chris Ofili, to name a few.
Sargent and Fashion
See some of John Singer Sargent's most famous portraits in this exhibition, which explores the idea that his painting practice was like that of a fashion stylist, as he carefully crafted the image of his sitters while advising them on their outfits and how to wear them. For Sargent, fashion was a powerful tool that expressed identity and personality. Alongside 60 paintings, viewers can see period garments next to the portraits they appeared in.
Sublime Symmetry: William De Morgan
Marvel at the mathematical beauty of Victorian artist William De Morgan's designs in this exhibition of 60 pots, tiles and vases. De Morgan blended his visual inspirations from Middle Eastern design, incorporating intricate and vibrant patterns, with the ideals of the Arts and Crafts movement, combining the beautiful with the functional.
William Blake’s Universe
Eccentric figure or lone genius? This exhibition is the first to explore William Blake's boundless imagination in the context of wider trends in European art including romanticism and mysticism. See how Blake and his contemporaries were seeking spirituality in both their lives and art in response to the turbulence of war and politics of the time.
Issam Kourbaj: Urgent Archive
Witness the urgent work of Issam Kourbaj, who reflects on the ongoing conflict in Syria and the destruction of his own cultural heritage. Spanning installation, sculpture, performance and works on paper, visitors can see key works from 2011 onwards, which explore themes of loss, memory and renewal.
Acts of Resistance: Photography, Feminisms and the Art of Protest
From the US Supreme Court's overturning of Roe vs Wade to the ongoing protests against the government of the Islamic Republic of Iran after Mahsa Amini's death in police custody, this exhibition reflects on recent global events, exploring international feminism and activism through the lens of contemporary photography.
A Spirit Inside
Don't miss the opportunity to experience over 100 years of art by women and non-binary artists in this exhibition combining work from two major collections: the Women's Art Collection and the Ingram Collection. See works by leading modern and contemporary artists, including Leonora Carrington, Winifred Nicholson and Bridget Riley.
Out Shopping: The Dresses of Marion and Maud Sambourne (1880-1910)
Immerse yourself in the lives – and fabulous wardrobes – of Marion and Maud Sambourne, wife and daughter of famed Punch cartoonist Linley Sambourne, in this exhibition. Taking place across both Leighton House and Sambourne House, get up close to rare surviving examples of dresses from the time, and get a glimpse into Victorian life through displays of photographs and illustrations.
The more you see, the more we do.
The National Art Pass lets you enjoy free entry to hundreds of museums, galleries and historic places across the UK, while raising money to support them.